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Published on: October 25, 2017
Hyphal swelling induced in the phagosome of macrophages
María Fernanda Alonso1, Judith M Bain1, Lars P Erwig1
1Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
Abstract:
Macrophages play critical protective roles as sentinels of the innate immune system against fungal infection. It is therefore important to understand the dynamics of the interaction between these phagocytes and their fungal prey. We show here that many of the hyphal apices formed by Candida albicans within the macrophage ceased elongating, and apical and sub-apical hyphal compartments became swollen. Swollen hyphal cell compartments assimilated less Lysotracker-Red than non-swollen compartments, suggesting they had enhanced viability. Staining with florescent dyes suggested that there were higher levels of β-glucan and chitin in internalized fungal filaments compared to non-internalized hyphae, suggesting active cell wall remodelling within macrophages. These observations suggest that the stresses imposed by macrophages upon the fungus lead to changes in cell wall composition, inhibition of polarised growth and the induction of swelling in hyphal compartments, and that this can prevent or delay loss of viability of hyphal cells within the phagocyte.
Insights
Macrophages induce changes in Candida albicans hyphae, causing swelling and altered cell walls. This fungal adaptation helps delay viability loss within the macrophage during innate immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells defending against fungal infections.
- Understanding the interaction between macrophages and fungi like Candida albicans is crucial for innate immunity research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic interactions between macrophages and Candida albicans hyphae.
- To elucidate the cellular and structural changes in Candida albicans upon macrophage interaction.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Candida albicans and co-culturing with macrophages.
- Utilizing fluorescent microscopy with Lysotracker-Red and specific stains for cell wall components (β-glucan, chitin).
- Observing and quantifying hyphal elongation, compartment swelling, and dye assimilation.
Main Results:
- Macrophage-internalized Candida albicans hyphal apices showed inhibited elongation and swelling of compartments.
- Swollen hyphal compartments exhibited reduced Lysotracker-Red uptake, indicating enhanced viability.
- Internalized hyphae displayed increased β-glucan and chitin levels, suggesting cell wall remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage-induced stress triggers changes in Candida albicans cell wall composition and growth.
- Fungal swelling and altered cell wall are adaptive responses to macrophage phagocytosis.
- These adaptations may prevent or delay the loss of fungal viability within macrophages.
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